Registration Closes April 11th

Registration will be closing for all MSD members to attend the MSD 2024 Interim Council Meeting to be held on Thursday, April 18th at the Smyrna Opera House, located at 7 W. South St., Smyrna, DE. The evening will begin at 6:00 p.m. with sign-in and a half-hour cocktail social, followed by the Interim Council business meeting beginning promptly at 6:30 p.m. As a member of MSD, this event affords you the opportunity to connect with your peers and meet new colleagues, all the while enjoying fine food and beverage at a historic Delaware location!

The agenda will include updates from the President and Treasurer, as well as an legislative advocacy update. The Council will also consider a resolution submitted, "Support of Physicians Pursuing Collective Bargaining and Unionization."

To register go to: https://reg.planetreg.com/INTERIM2024. Absolute registration deadline is Thursday, April 11 by end of business day.

MSD Member Mehdi Balakhani, MD, DDS, FACS Presents to Group

The Physician Emeritus Section of MSD gathered at the University and Whist Club in Wilmington this week for their spring educational luncheon. This year, members of MSD are sharing their stories and were happy to welcome MSD Life Practicing member, Mehdi Balakhani, MD, DDS, FACS to speak on "My Life's Work," presenting on the reconstructive and plastic surgeries he has done during his career. As Emeritus Chief of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery at ChristianaCare and Director of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery at St. Francis Hospital, Dr. Balakhani has a distinguished career spanning over 40 years, making significant contributions to the field of cosmetic and reconstructive surgery.

The Physician Emeritus Section will gather again on Thursday, April 25 at the 1776 Steakhouse in Rehoboth where Brian J. Galinat, MD, MBA will present "Choose Your Own Adventure: Our Journey Visiting All the U.S. National Parks." For more information, contact Michelle.Seymour.

CDC, DPH Issue Health Advisories

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has issued a Health Alert Network (HAN) Health Advisory to inform clinicians, state health departments, and the public of a recently confirmed human infection with highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) A(H5N1) virus in the United States following exposure to presumably infected dairy cattle. The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) recently reported detections of highly pathogenic avian influenza A(H5N1) virus in U.S. dairy cattle in multiple states. This Health Advisory also includes a summary of interim CDC recommendations for preventing, monitoring, and conducting public health investigations of potential human infections with HPAI A(H5N1) virus. 

The Delaware Division of Public Health (DPH) shared the CDC Health Alert Advisory to inform clinicians and others of the recently confirmed human infection with highly pathogenic avian influenza virus in the US following exposure to presumably infected dairy cattle. Novel Influenza A Infection is a reportable disease in Delaware. It is imperative that suspected infection with HPAI A(H5N1) virus is reported in a timely manner because of the need for time-sensitive administration of post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) to those exposed. All suspected infections should be reported to the Delaware Office of Infectious Disease Epidemiology at (302) 744-4990 or by email at reportdisease@delaware.gov.

Blood Emergency - Donors Needed

The Blood Bank of Delmarva is calling on eligible donors to make an immediate blood or platelet donation. Type-O negative and platelets are running low at the hospitals it serves, but donations of all types are currently needed. Donations from young people and first-timers have been dropping during the past few years and donations in general have been slow to come due to recent holidays and school vacations. An individual may donate blood every 56 days. Platelet donors can give twice a month. To schedule an appointment visit www.delmarvablood.org or call 888-8-BLOOD-8.

Notice of Client Action Required for Small Group Health Coverage

Section 204 of the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2021 (CAA) requires all health insurance issuers and self-insured group health plans to submit information regarding prescription drug spending, health care spending, and enrollment to the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) on an annual basis. This information must be submitted in specific file formats to CMS for the 2023 calendar year by June 1, 2024.

Highmark has sent a communication via email to its small group insurance clients requesting information to complete this reporting. Some clients may not have received this information and MSD is alerting you of this request. If clients/employers want Highmark to report on their behalf, Highmark is requesting they complete the online survey by May 1, 2024. If the survey is not completed by May 1, 2024, client data will not be included in Highmark’s submission to CMS and clients will responsible for submitting data independently.

Key Takeaways:

• The deadline to complete the survey is May 1, 2024. If you fail to complete the survey by this deadline, you will be accountable for submitting on your group health plan’s behalf.

• Responses must be specific to your plan.

• If you offer multiple group health plans that are administered or insured by Highmark, you must complete a separate survey for each group health plan.

• Do not combine Fully Insured amounts with Self-Funded Amounts – two surveys must be submitted, one for each group health plan.

• The survey takes only 5-10 minutes to complete if this worksheet is prepared beforehand.

• If you do not complete the survey, Highmark will submit the data they maintain prior to the June 1 CMS submission deadline. This submission will not be complete due to data not provided via the survey.

• Please retain your responses for your own records. The survey does not allow for a copy to be of the data to be sent to you

The following are additional resources as reference: client email , a process overview, survey worksheet, and CMS RxDC homepage.

Proclamations Declare April as Cancer Control Month and Minority Cancer Awareness Month

On April 9, 150 Delaware Cancer Consortium (DCC) members gathered for their 2024 retreat for presentations by prominent local and national speakers, including four cancer survivors who shared their diagnosis, care, and experience living with cancer. The theme was Vision. Purpose. Action. Coming Together to Eliminate Cancer Disparities, aligning with DCC’s goal to implement culturally inclusive initiatives that ensure affordable and accessible care. The Delaware General Assembly established the DCC in 2001 to reduce Delaware’s cancer incidence and mortality rates. Over the past 23 years, the DCC has produced five five-year plans with innovative cancer control recommendations that guide its members and thousands of dedicated volunteers.  In the 1990s, Delaware’s cancer death rate ranked second in the nation. Most recent data show the state ranks 15th in cancer mortality and 20th for cancer incidence rate (457.6 per 100,000 in Delaware compared to 442.2 per 100,000 population in the nation), according to the Delaware Cancer Registry for the period 2016-2020. Governor Carney and Lieutenant Governor Bethany Hall-Long signed two proclamations that designate the month of April as Cancer Control Month and Minority Cancer Awareness Month.

Nominations Close Friday, April 12th

The State of Delaware is committed to creating respectful, sensitive, and culturally competent environments through trauma-informed care. If you know someone serving the community through the trauma-informed care perspective, nominate them for a Compassionate Champion Award by Friday, April 12th at 5:00 pm. Nomination categories include: government, community organizations, first responders, education, health care, and other. Winners will be invited to accept their awards at the Compassionate Champion Awards Ceremony in May. Submit a nomination.

To Help Address the Drug Overdose Epidemic

On March 13, the American Medical Association (AMA) and over 40 other members of the Graduate Medical Education (GME) Advocacy Coalition sent a letter of support for the Substance Use Disorder Workforce Act of 2024. This bipartisan legislation—introduced by Reps. Brad Schneider (D-IL), David Valadao (R-CA), Annie Kuster (D-NH), Mike Carey (R-OH) and Mike Kelly (R-PA)—would provide 1,000 additional Medicare-supported GME positions over five years in hospitals that have, or are in the process of establishing, accredited residency programs in addiction medicine, addiction psychiatry or pain medicine. This bill will help address the nation’s drug overdose and death epidemic by training more physicians to meet the needs of patients across the country who require treatment for substance use disorder. The AMA supported this bill last Congress, and sent an individual letter  supporting this legislation this Congress on February 1.

To Protect 100 Million People from PFAS Pollution

On Wednesday this week, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced the first-ever national, legally enforceable drinking water standard to protect communities from exposure to harmful per-and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), also known as ‘forever chemicals.’ Exposure to PFAS has been linked to deadly cancers, impacts to the liver and heart, and immune and developmental damage to infants and children. This final rule represents the most significant step to protect public health under EPA’s PFAS Strategic Roadmap. The final rule will reduce PFAS exposure for approximately 100 million people, prevent thousands of deaths, and reduce tens of thousands of serious illnesses. In addition to the final rule, EPA is announcing nearly $1 billion in newly available funding through the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law to help states and territories implement PFAS testing and treatment at public water systems and to help owners of private wells address PFAS contamination. 

Coordination Between Health Care Professionals During Surgery and 30 Days that Follow

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) Innovation Center announced the proposed Transforming Episode Accountability Model (TEAM), a five-year mandatory model that would incentivize coordination between care providers during a surgery, as well as the services provided during the 30 days that follow. The model would aim to improve the quality of care for people with Medicare undergoing certain surgical procedures, reducing rehospitalization and recovery time while lowering Medicare spending and driving equitable outcomes. TEAM would initially focus on lower extremity joint replacement, surgical hip and femur fracture treatment, spinal fusion, coronary artery bypass graft, and major bowel procedure. Participating acute care hospitals would receive a target price to cover all costs associated with a 30-day episode of care, and they would be required to refer patients to primary care services to support continuity of care and drive positive long-term health outcomes. TEAM would allow for overlap with ACO models. The proposed model would also include a voluntary Decarbonization and Resilience initiative to address threats posed by climate change to the nation's health and health care system.

Support Underserved Communities, Ease Drug Shortages, Promote Patient Safety

Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) issued a proposed rule updating Medicare payments and policies for inpatient hospitals and long-term care hospitals. The proposed rule takes a variety of approaches to improving the health of people with Medicare by addressing social determinants of health, strengthening emergency preparedness, and improving maternal health. The fiscal year (FY) 2025 Inpatient Prospective Payment System (IPPS) and Long-Term Care Hospital Prospective Payment System (LTCH PPS) rule works to support historically underserved and under-resourced communities and promote value-based care.

Updated Mpox Webpages for Biosafety and Reporting

On April 4, 2024, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) updated the Biosafety Laboratory Guidance for Handling and Processing Mpox Specimens webpage to include information about clade I and to clarify select agent requirements.

On April 5, 2024, CDC also updated the How to Report Results from Orthopoxvirus, Non-Variola Orthopoxvirus, and Mpox Virus Diagnostic Testing webpage to reflect the preferred names and identification of the clades.

Addresses High Rates of Avoidable Medical Errors, Preventable Harms

The National Quality Forum (NQF), an affiliate of The Joint Commission, launched a “Focus on HARM” patient safety initiative to address the high rates of avoidable medical errors and preventable patient harms that continue despite decades of efforts to remediate these events.  The Focus on HARM (Harmonizing Accountability in Reporting and Monitoring) initiative will begin by re-examining the most egregious events, often referred to as “Never Events” because they should never occur in health care. Read more.

Addresses

The American Medical Association (AMA) announced a request for applications for its 2024 ChangeMedEd Innovation Grant Program. The AMA invites medical schools, residency programs and practice settings to apply. In addition to receiving funding, grant recipients will join the AMA ChangeMedEd Consortium, which is committed to developing, implementing and disseminating bold, innovative projects that promote systemic change to better train future physicians. This round of innovation grants will focus on projects about coaching in medical education across the continuum of physician professional development. Specifically, we seek projects that address effectiveness of coaching through rigorous evaluation methodologies and projects that promote scalability and dissemination of coaching programs. The AMA ChangeMedEd Innovation Grant Program supports novel experiments while building a community of practice within the AMA ChangeMedEd Consortium. Inter-institutional collaborative projects will be particularly competitive. Applications from undergraduate medical education, graduate medical education and practice settings are welcome. The deadline for applications is 5 p.m. Central time, June 21, 2024. Acceptances will be sent by Aug. 2. Grants will start Nov. 1. View the submission guidelines and apply now. 

Partnership Between Delaware Tech and Colonial School District Addresses Significant Need in Delaware

WDEL reports that the Colonial School District and Delaware Technical Community College (DTCC) are seeking to streamline the pathway for students who are interested in health-related careers. This week, Bank of America presented DTCC with its Neighborhood Award, grant funding to support programs that address job readiness and workforce development. In this innovative educational opportunity, students attend classes at their high schools and then go onsite at Delaware Tech for extensive hands-on experience in patient care. The program is expected to begin with up to 15 sophomores at William Penn High School.

Kert F. Anzilotti, MD - Chief Medical Officer, ChristianaCare

Yan Ting Chen, MD - Resident, Emergency Medicine, Bayhealth (starting July)

Kelli Quercetti, DO - Otolaryngology, ENT and Allergy of Delaware

MSD members are afforded a seven-day review period from the date of this publication to comment regarding applicants for membership. Please contact Michelle Seymour at (302) 224-4905 or Michelle.Seymour@medsocdel.org with any comments on the current pending member(s) listed above or if you know of someone interested in joining MSD. You could be eligible for a membership referral discount on your dues!

Kind to Kids Charity Foundation: A Future for Every Child, All Year Round

As a year-round charity fundraising effort, MSD continues to support the Kind to Kids Foundation to make an impact in the lives of children and teens in foster care. You can donate items throughout the year from the "My Blue Duffel" Amazon Wish List. Your donation will provide direct support for a child in foster care. "My Blue Duffels" are emergency care kits given to children entering the foster care system. From the wish list, donors purchase items that are then sent to Kind to Kids to distribute. The children are victims of child abuse and neglect and are coping with trauma. Your gift will bring hope, love, and kindness to a vulnerable child. Kind to Kids Foundation is a 501c3 nonprofit charity and your donations are tax deductible. Thank you for your support.

MSD is pleased to highlight one of our 2024 Premier Educational Program Partners. WSFS Wealth Private Banking has been a part of the effort to keep our professional medical and public education programs growing through its partnership with MSD as a Premier Educational Program (PEP) Partner.

At WSFS Wealth Private Banking, we understand the unique challenges that come with managing wealth. Our Private Banking Advisors serve as trusted partners to individuals and families and provide solid financial strategies for our clients.  With a client-centric focus, our lending solutions can provide you with a reliable source of funding for your business investments, real estate purchases, and other unforeseen expenses. We work with our entire team of Private Wealth advisors to ensure that your overall investment strategy is aligned with your comprehensive financial plan. From loan to deposit solutions, to liquidity events and succession planning, we are with you every step of the way. For more information, visit https://www.wsfsbank.com/wealth/private-banking. 

If you would like to become a PEP Partner, please contact Lynn Robinson, MSD's Director of Professional Education. 

Primary Care Physicians Needed to Complete Brief Survey for Johns Hopkins

The Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health is looking for primary care physicians to complete a 5-minute survey on their thoughts about digital health tools. Interested physicians, physician assistants, and nurse practitioners who have experience treating patients with diabetes or depression are invited to participate. Those who complete the survey will receive a $10 gift card. If you have any questions, please reach out to Odia Kane at okane1@jh.edu. (Principle investigator: Dr. Nancy Kass.) Scan the QR code or go to: https://jh.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_ewXiR3xzpicR4zQ

Contact MSDIS for More Information

Flood Policy Facts

The National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) offers two types of coverage – building coverage and contents coverage.

✓ Building coverage is available with limits up to $250k and content coverage up to $100k.

✓ A NFIP flood policy only covers personal belongings if contents coverage is purchased.

✓ Most items located in a basement are typically excluded from coverage.

✓ Flood policies have a 30-day waiting period before going into effect. There is no waiting period if the purchase is part of a mortgage loan closing.

Your contents coverage is a critical part of your flood policy and not included automatically with building coverage.

If interested in flood insurance for your home or business, contact MSDIS Sharon Ruth (302) 397-0173 or email Sharon.ruth@usi.com

Deadline to Apply is April 15

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) has now reopened the 2023 Merit-based Incentive Payment System (MIPS) Extreme and Uncontrollable Circumstances (EUC) hardship application due to the Change Healthcare cyberattack. The deadline to apply for an exemption is April 15. Read more.

The Potential of AI in Health Care

Augmented intelligence (AI) holds enormous potential to help physicians and transform their practices—enhancing diagnostic accuracy, building personalized treatments or reducing administrative burden. A recent survey showed that physicians who used an AI assistant to help with their documentation saved more than three hours a week. Yet physicians also have concerns and ample questions about AI’s potential to exacerbate bias, increase privacy risks or introduce new liability concerns. 

LEARN MORE:

Future of Health Report:

• Emerging Landscape of Augmented Intelligence in Health Care

Webinar:

• Navigating AI in Health Care

AMA Update:

• Pros and Cons of AI in Health Care and Clinical Workflow Optimization

Research:

• Physician Sentiments Around the Use of AI in Heath Care (PDF)

AMA STEPS Forward^® offers a collection of engaging and interactive educational content designed to help put the joy back into medicine.

Information on Recent Product Recalls and Safety Announcements

Fendall 200 Non-Sterile Eyewash Cartridge

Honeywell Safety Products is recalling Fendall 2000 Non-Sterile Eyewash Cartridge for the Fendall 2000 Eyewash Station because Honeywell’s supplier of the Fendall 2000 Non-Sterile Eyewash Cartridge has been found to be non-compliant with current good manufacturing practice (cGMP) requirements. Use of or exposure to the eyewash without seeking medical attention afterwards could result in a range of ocular infections such bacterial keratitis or endophthalmitis. Immunocompromised individuals, those sustaining ocular injuries that damage the corneal epithelium, and those sustaining penetrating ocular injuries are at higher risk of potential infection. To date, Honeywell Safety Products USA has not received any reports of adverse events related to this recall.

Allergy Alert for Blues Hog Sweet & Savory Seasoning

Baron Spices, Inc. of St. Louis, MO is recalling 708 units of Blues Hog Sweet and Savory Seasoning, because it may contain undeclared Soy and Wheat allergen. People who have an allergy or severe sensitivity to Soy and Wheat run the risk of serious or life-threatening allergic reaction if they consume these products. Blues Hog Sweet and Savory was distributed to MD, VA, DC, and DE through Giant Food Stores. Product is in 6.25 oz plastic bottles with the label Blues Hog Sweet and Savory Seasoning with a lot number of 034-363 and 034-364.

Bayhealth

Bayhealth attended Delaware State University’s (DSU’s) Health Fair to inform community members about health-related issues. The event proved to be a success as community members and DSU students were able to assess the opportunities and services that Bayhealth has to offer. DSU students who are studying nursing were able to speak with professionals in the field and gain insight as to what their future could look like at Bayhealth.

TidalHealth

TidalHealth announces a series of free skin cancer screenings for people without insurance, those whose insurance doesn’t cover screenings or for people who currently do not have a dermatologist and are having difficulty obtaining an appointment with one. The free screenings will take place at the designated locations on the days indicated in May. Appointments are required at each session and may be made by calling Scott Rall at 410-543-7006.

April 12 - Climate and Health Conference, 8:00 a.m.-4:00 p.m., John H. Ammon Education Center, ChristianaCare Newark Campus. This activity has been approved for a maximum of 6.75 AMA PRA Category 1 credit. No fee to attend, but registration is required, no late in-person registrations will be accepted. Registration deadline is April 10th.

April 13 - Delaware Academy of Family Physicians Annual Meeting, Bayhealth SIM Center, Dover.

April 13 - Bayhealth 4th Annual Nurse on the Run 5k/1 Mile Walk, 9 a.m., Bayhealth Sussex Campus, Milford.

April 17 - 18th Annual Delaware Healthy Mother & Infant Consortium Summit, 8:30 a.m.-4:00 p.m., Chase Center on the Riverfront.

April 18 - DEAAP Spring Conference, "Paving the Way to Pediatric Wellness: Chronic Disease Management and Mental Health in Primary Care," 2:00-5:30 p.m., Hyatt Place Wilmington Riverfront (760 S. Justison St.). This activity has been approved for a maximum of 3 AMA PRA Category 1 credit.

May 7 - 61st Annual William J. Holloway Infectious Disease Symposium, 8:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m., virtual and in person at the John H. Ammon Education Center, ChristianaCare Newark Campus. This activity has been approved for a maximum of 5 AMA PRA Category 1 credit.

October 29 - SAVE THE DATE! 28th Annual Delaware Healthcare Forum, 8:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m., Bally's Dover Casino Resort, Rollins Center, Dover.

September 19 - SAVE THE DATE! DAFP Geriatric Medicine Symposium, ChristianaCare, Newark.

October 19 - DAFP Research & Education Foundation Healthcare Heroes 5k, Cape Henlopen State Park.

November 23 - SAVE THE DATE! MSD Annual Meeting and Presidential Reception, Bally's Dover Casino Resort

• Information for Delaware Medical Professionals - https://publichealthalerts.delaware.gov/mpox/

The CDC website now features a new page dedicated to the current situation on highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) A(H5N1) virus (“H5N1 bird flu”) in mammals. The page includes information on the outbreak of H5N1 bird flu in dairy cows in the U.S., the risk to people, a timeline of documented mammalian infections in the U.S. and globally, and a list of related links. Learn more.

The Latin phrase Rerum Cognoscere translates to learn, examine, or become aware of facts or things. In this section, we highlight measurable items of interest in health care from MSD, Delaware, the US, and the world.